Congressional candidate profiles

When Marylanders head to the polls Nov. 6, they will elect members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in addition to casting their ballots for president. Dozens of people are running for a chance to represent the state's voters in Washington.

The Baltimore Sun asked all major and third-party candidates to answer questions about pressing policy issues facing the country.

[ 1st Congressional District ]

The 1st District was a political bellwether in the past two elections, but was redrawn by the Maryland General Assembly last year and is now more solidly Republican. The district includes the Eastern Shore and portions of Baltimore, Carroll and Harford counties. The incumbent is Rep. Andy Harris, a Cockeysville Republican.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

In the current tax system, yes, I support a permanent extension of these tax cuts for all income levels. I support Governor Gary Johnson's across the board 43 percent spending cuts [Johnson is a former governor of New Mexico and the Libertarian Party's candidate for president]. As an alternative, I would even propose eliminating duplicating government services between the federal government and the states and the elimination of all foreign aid.

First and foremost we must not only balance the budget but we should also begin paying down the principal on the national debt.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain. //

Yes. I support an across the board 10 percent salary reduction of all federal employees including elected officials and their staffs.

I support requiring all individuals receiving a government paycheck to contribute more to their retirement and healthcare plans.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Medicare, Medicaid and combined with some of the other programs have over $65 trillion in [unfunded] liability. This is unsustainable.

I believe the programs should phased out. Those under 45 should have their contributions voluntarily diverted to a health savings account. Those quickly approaching retirement age should receive vouchers for their own insurance premiums to help cover the costs. Those who have the means should be allowed to decline Medicare coverage.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I would support funding our infrastructure by way of granting more permits and access to natural resources on federal land.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon? //No. I do not support any U.S. military involvement in Iran.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party. //

Since I have two opposite parties to contend with, this would be a difficult task. I believe our current course with government spending is unsustainable and serious measures must be [implemented] now, or we face some serious consequences. Unfortunately the two major parties have failed to seriously address these issues. We can no longer afford this attitude towards the future of our country.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

Yes, I support extension of all current tax rates for an additional year. An economic downturn is not the time to raise taxes, especially on small businesses. Raising taxes at this point would reduce, not increase, total revenue — therefore maintaining current tax rates pays for itself.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Pension contributions of federal workers should match those of the private sector.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Medicare should be preserved without changes for all those 55 and over. For those 54 and under, we should reform the system to assure long-term viability of the program. This should include the option of "premium subsidy," making the program similar to the federal employees' health benefits program. Medicaid should be block-granted to the states, with much more freedom for states to choose how to best spend that money in their state without federal bureaucratic regulation and red tape.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

We should maintain federal highway construction spending at its current level. We should discourage states like Maryland from raising their gas taxes and then raiding their highway trust funds and spending highway funds on non-highway expenses.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

Yes, as long as formal approval is given by Congress. The threat of the radical Islamic theocracy in Iran armed with a nuclear weapon is real - and is a threat to the entire Western world.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

Reductions in the corporate tax rate to attract businesses back to America have broad bi-partisan approval, and I support such efforts.

Experience: Practicing physician for 40 years, specializing in women's health. Lifelong Democrat, and past chair of the Kent County Democratic Central committee and former president of the Democratic Club of Kent County.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support extending the cuts for individuals earning less than $200,000, and for families with combined income below $250,000, but not for those with high incomes. If we close loopholes in the current system that are not available to lower wage earners but have been taken advantage of by wealthy individuals and corporations, we can increase revenue overall without increasing the current burden on the middle class.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

While I appreciate the hard work that federal employees do, and believe that we must honor the commitments that we have made to them, we are all in this together. I don't believe that we can expect private sector employees to bear the burden of higher health care costs, lower return on retirement investments, and stagnant federal revenue alone. It is my sincere hope that improvements in the national economy will benefit all working men and women, and that federal employees will share equally in higher levels of compensation.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

As a physician, I see firsthand the effect that rising health care costs have on America's families, and I have compiled a list of more than 30 ways to reduce these costs. Some examples follow: Meaningful tort reform would create competent compensation boards and reduce the need for expensive litigation and consequently lower the cost of malpractice insurance, a significant expense for any medical practitioner. Empowering individuals to make and maintain healthy lifestyle choices would reduce the long term cost of health care, and improve the overall health of our society. Development of a universal standard for electronic medical records would facilitate appropriate decisions by medical providers and eliminate redundant testing and treatment. Investment in research, not marketing and packaging, by pharmaceutical companies will expedite the development of new treatment options, and lower the cost of prescriptions.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

Absolutely. The economic growth of the last 70 years has been, in no small part, supported by the investment in infrastructure that helped us out of the Great Depression. Programs like the Tennessee Valley Authority and Works Project Administration created the public infrastructure that allowed modern transportation, energy supply, and education to grow our economy, but that same infrastructure is crumbling beneath us. Bridges, dams and schools go unfixed. Our power grid is outdated and vulnerable to outages. We must use this opportunity to reinvent and rehabilitate our public infrastructure, and we can't let long term deficit reduction goals stand in our way. Only by creating a solid base for economic growth can we realistically develop a path to a debt free government, and we must begin by investing in infrastructure today, funding it by any means available.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

While I believe that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable and counter to the goal of a peaceful global society, I support diplomatic efforts toward that end, and would only, reservedly, support military action if and when diplomatic efforts have utterly failed.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I support the Saving American Democracy Amendment to the Constitution offered by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, which has already garnered bipartisan support, asserts that corporations are not people, are subject to regulation by the people, and which would prohibit campaign contributions or expenditures by corporations and affirm the power of Congress and the states to regulate campaign finance activity.

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[ 2nd Congressional District ]

The oddly shaped 2nd District is home to the state's largest military installations, Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Ground. It has traditionally been considered safe for Democrats, though redistricting has made the territory slightly more Republican. The incumbent is Rep. CA Dutch Ruppersberger, a Cockeysville Democrat.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

All tax cuts should be permanent. The problem is not that we are under taxed, but that we spend too much. Today the government borrows 43 cents on every dollar spent. As they have learned in Greece, such deficit spending is unsustainable. At some point in the future, massive cuts in spending are inevitable. We should start now, while we can make reasonable decisions on what to cut, instead of waiting for the time to come when we can no longer borrow from the Chinese. Cuts made then will be sudden and harsh.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

During the last decade, compensation of federal employees rose much faster than that of private sector employees. A recent job-to-job comparison found that federal workers earned higher wages than did the private sector workers in four-fifths of the occupations examined. In 2010, federal civilian employees had an average wage of $83,679, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. By comparison, the average wage of the nation's 101 million private sector employees was $51,986. It is time for some restraint. Federal wages should be frozen or cut, overly generous federal benefits should be overhauled, and the federal workforce downsized through program terminations and privatization. It is unfair to ask taxpayers to foot an ever increasing bill for federal workers, especially when private sector compensation has not kept pace. Many taxpayers who have no retirement are working well into their seventies to pay for federal workers who retire in their early fifties.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

A variety of Medicare proposals (increasing premiums, increasing cost sharing, increasing the eligibility age, means-testing premiums) would create modest taxpayer savings. In terms of fixing the system, however, these changes amount to bailing water from a sinking ship rather than repairing the hull. Congress should end traditional Medicare and give each enrollee a voucher to purchase the health plan of their choice. Subsidizing Medicare enrollees through fixed-dollar vouchers would give them more control over their medical care, encourage them to be more cost conscious, spur innovation by eliminating Medicare's price and exchange controls, and contain federal spending. At the same time we should take steps to expand the ability of younger Americans to save for their future medical need. As a first step, we should expand current health savings accounts to give workers ownership over all their health care dollars, including the part their employers now control. As a second step, we should give workers freedom to deposit their Medicare payroll taxes into these health savings accounts to fund their medical needs in retirement.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

NO! Before the 20th century, transportation infrastructure was often financed and built by the private sector. Then, during the 20th century, roads and other infrastructure came to be thought of as government activities. By the 1980's, that started to change, and governments around the world began selling off airports, highways, bridges, and other facilities. Any service that can be supported by consumer fees can be privatized. Private companies can freely tap debt and equity markets for capital to meet rising demand. By contrast, modernization of government infrastructure is subject to the politics and uncertainties of government budgeting processes. As a result government infrastructure is often old, congested, and poorly maintained. Privatizing federal businesses and infrastructure would allow new managers to extract greater efficiencies out of existing assets and to improve customer services. Private entrepreneurs can often innovate where government cannot, and they can more easily end unneeded and failed activities.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

NO! Military intervention, and the unprecedented use of preemptive warfare, serve as the instigators for most terrorist attacks. We should employ troops only in the case of direct attack. Our foreign intervention when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, included arming Osama bin Laden, which helped pave the way to 9/11! The U.S. presently has troops in 135 countries around the world. We are close to bankrupt. Wealthy nations such as Germany and France can easily provide for their own defense. Bring all the troops home.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

Party loyalty trumped the good of the country long ago and both parties will continue to put party before country. It really is time for a third party. If you are happy with the way things are going, continue to support the two controlling parties. If not, don't waste your vote on more of the same.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I believe that the Bush era tax cuts should be extended for all income levels, keeping the government out of our pockets. However, due to the need to reduce the federal debt I believe these tax cuts should be paid for before they are passed as to not increase the federal governments already staggering debt.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

If we do not find a solution for the increasing federal debt I believe that all federal employees, no matter the pay grade, including elected officials should have a pay freeze. I also believe that federal employees should pay a larger portion to their retirement plans as a part of our nation's debt reduction plan.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

With spending on Medicare and other government health programs set to double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037 I propose a few measures. I would raise the age of eligibility to 67, simplifying Medicare benefits and adding some co-pays and re-designing deductibles. Millions of people rely on Medicare benefits and we must make some tough changes to make sure this program continues to provide support for people who need it.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I would support increased federal spending on highways and infrastructure if, and only if this increase could be offset by cuts to the current budget as well as cuts to the federal debt. I would support no new spending measure unless there is capacity in the federal budget, with out expanding the budget.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I would support U.S. military involvement in Iran with concrete evidence showing the near development of nuclear weapons.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

In Washington I will pursue bipartisan legislation focusing on helping small businesses grow, with less government intrusion.

Experience: Elected to Baltimore County Council in 1985 and 1989; elected Baltimore County Executive in 1994 and 1998; member of Congress since 2002.

Education: Baltimore City College; University of Maryland College Park; J.D., University

of Baltimore Law School, 1970

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

As we work to regain our country's economic momentum, now is not the right time to raise taxes on hard-working middle class American families struggling to make ends meet.

At the same time, we must ensure that higher income levels do not pay a lower tax rate than lower ones. Nearly 25 percent of millionaires pay fewer taxes than those in the middle-income brackets. Even Ronald Reagan said it was "crazy" that certain tax laws make it possible for multi-millionaires to pay no taxes, while a bus driver pays 10 percent. The so-called "Buffett Rule," which nearly 75 percent of Americans support, could save up to $162 billion over the next decade.

We can pay to extend tax cuts for the middle class by ending unfair loopholes and credits for special interests, such as the $4 billion in subsidies paid every year to the five largest oil companies amid record profits.

Ultimately, we need a wholesale restructure of both our income and corporate tax codes. It needs to be simplified. The sheer complexity of the current tax code hurts small businesses - which support two of every three jobs here in Maryland - where owners must spend countless hours and dollars filing their taxes. It's been more than 25 years since we last tried corporate tax reform. Our current system wasn't designed for today's modern, global economy, and certainly won't work in the future.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Lawmakers not included, I do not support extending a pay freeze or requiring federal employees to contribute even more to their retirement plan. I do support reevaluating this on an annual basis.

About 300,000 civilian federal employees live in Maryland, comprising 10 percent of our state's workforce. We are home to many military agencies like Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Ground, as well as federal agencies like the new Cyber Command, National Security Agency, Social Security and the National Institutes of Health. Competitive salaries and benefits help recruit and retain the qualified workers we need to conduct the critical missions of these agencies - supporting everything from national security to our nation's seniors - and safeguard our state economy.

Throughout the recession, these valuable and dedicated workers have been Congress' punching bag. For example, the most recent extension of the payroll tax for most American workers was approved at the expense of federal workers. Federal employees already have contributed $75 billion toward deficit reduction through the pay freeze. It is unfair to ask these employees and their families to sacrifice even more for a problem they did not cause.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

This requires a multi-strategy approach. We can start by eliminating fraud, waste, insurance overpayment and abuse. Studies show as much as 14 percent of certain Medicare payments were "improper," which includes both deceptive claims from insurers and miscoded, but legitimate, billings. Preventing these mistakes will save $575 billion over the next decade.

We can also reduce costs and improve patient health by expanding health information technology and increasing coordination among patients' various doctors to make care more efficient. Electronic medical records and patient-centered coordinated care ensure that health providers will have the most up-to-date and complete medical records possible. That means different doctors can see what tests, treatments, imaging, and prescriptions have been administered already, thus preventing duplicate efforts and costs.

Each of these steps must be accompanied by a continued emphasis on preventative medicine.

Simply put, it's cheaper to prevent you from getting sick - or catching an illness or injury early - than treating you after the fact.

I believe that the healthcare reform law will go a long way toward achieving many of these goals. I supported reform because, while far from perfect, it provides free preventive care and cheaper prescription drugs. It cracks down on overpayments due to waste, fraud and abuse and incentivizes physician productivity.

Medicare and Medicaid are the cornerstones of healthcare for millions of American seniors, especially those on fixed incomes. We must reduce costs to improve the long-term solvency of these critical programs without cutting services.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

Yes. Investing in our nation's crumbling infrastructure is one of the smartest things we can do to create jobs, increase the competitiveness of American businesses, keep people and products on the move and reduce harmful vehicle emissions. Quality, well-maintained roads, bridges and tunnels increases productivity in the private sector and promotes public welfare. Every American business relies on dependable and efficient transit, including our highways, runways, railways and waterways. For every $1 billion of federal funds invested in highway and transit infrastructure, we create or save about 34,800 jobs in some of the hardest-hit industries.

One way to pay for this investment is by establishing an infrastructure bank to attract private dollars and provide loans for new construction projects. This self-sustaining entity could encourage new investment with little impact on the federal budget.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

Military action should always be a last resort.

Iran is a rogue nation that exports terrorism and can't be trusted. It is currently violating the nonproliferation treaty it signed and has shown disregard time and time again for human life. If the Iranian regime does successfully create a nuclear weapon, it could destabilize the entire region.

That said, the United States can't be the sheriff for the rest of the world. I believe the situation in Libya has established an effective policy formula for our involvements in conflicts throughout the world. The UN-led mission was supported by an unprecedented coalition of countries, including the Arab League and European allies, and prevented the widespread massacre of thousands of innocent Libyan people without putting American boots on the ground.

The world must come together and increase the diplomatic pressure against Iran to ensure it stops its nuclear weapons development. The United States stands ready to provide support to protect our allies, especially Israel.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I routinely pursue policies that have the support of members from the opposite party. In fact, the National Journal consistently places me at the ideological center of the House of Representatives in its annual congressional rankings.

As ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, for example, I work closely with Republican Chairman Mike Rogers on matters affecting our nation's security, especially combating terrorism and cyber attacks. We both agree there is no place for politics when it comes to national security. Chairman Rogers and I have been able to pass four authorization bills (which fund the country's 16 intelligence agencies). These were the first to make it to the finish line after five years of partisan squabbling. We also worked together to draft legislation that will help protect American businesses and consumers from cyber attacks, which is one of the most serious threats to our national security and economy. The bill recently passed the House of Representatives with an overwhelming bipartisan majority.

The Washington Post recently called our efforts a "little miracle of bipartisanship," saying that we have replaced "second-guessing and backbiting" with "real oversight." That's something I am very proud of.

I believe that leadership is about bringing people together and making tough decisions ¿ not partisan bickering. This is my philosophy not just when it comes to national security, but every day when I take to the House floor to cast votes on behalf of my constituents.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support revisions to tax codes in order to simplify the tax process both on the government side and for taxpayers. The current tax system along with short term tax cuts set to expire creates a level of uncertainty that affects consumer spending which ultimately affects job growth and economic stability. Tax codes/laws need to be simplified and streamlined so that they are easily understood by taxpayers (individuals and businesses). In regards to the current Bush-era income tax cuts I would support an extension that would be in effect until the tax codes/laws were appropriately analyzed and revised to provide the most value to the taxpayer.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

I will support the interests of the taxpayers in order to obtain the best value/best services for their taxes. While there may be opportunities to reduce long spending through pay freezes or increasing contributions, I do not believe that will resolve issues with long term structural costs or significantly reduce deficits, improve economic conditions or generate job growth. Having worked in the federal government I know there are many inefficiencies that could be addressed that would significantly reduce short term spending as well as reduce long term structural costs.

I fully support government financial budgeting reform and believe the annual fiscal year budget cycle needs to change to a four year budget cycle coinciding with presidential elections which would allow the new administration to set a four year budget cycle. This would allow Congress to focus on other important issues throughout the term of the president rather than going through "continuing resolutions" and the repeating threat of government shut downs. I also support budgeting reform that allows government agencies and departments to carry over a budget surplus to future years and to remove any restrictions that would penalize cost savings by reducing budgets. Expenses can vary year by year and allowing budgets the flexibility of spending less in one year without getting penalized in the following years just makes sense, and this will reduce the high rate of spending on non-value added purchases at the end of the fiscal year.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

The first thing that needs to be done is a real analysis of medical costs to determine the root cause(s) on increases in spending and accessibility to healthcare. Once the cause(s) of healthcare cost increases has been determined, then a corrective action plan can be developed to address and correct the root cause versus just patching some of the symptoms. I believe Americans have an intrinsic right to affordable quality healthcare and that any system supporting healthcare should be effectively managed to minimize costs while providing a high level of service. This certainly can be accomplished and I believe one of the major contributing factors is a lack of pricing awareness and control in the healthcare industry along with awareness of quality and success rates. I would like to see significant reform in the healthcare industry to require publishing of prices, quality ratings and success rates for all processes and procedures. This will allow consumers to make educated decisions on their healthcare so that they may obtain the best value for their money. I would pose this question: what makes the hospital or doctor performing a service any different than the mechanic fixing my car or the roofer fixing my roof? Well I can guarantee you that the doctor taking his car to get fixed will want to know what the mechanic is planning to do and how much it will cost and their expected result will be that the car is repaired and is running as desired, but if that mechanic goes to the doctor or hospital they cannot provide a pricing or quality guarantee for their services.

By fixing root causes of problems with cost, quality and delivery of service in the healthcare industry it would then be possible to develop a model that more accurately predicts the future cost of healthcare (Medicare, Medicaid, and anything else). After that has been completed then a financial (budget) plan can be developed to ensure that there are sufficient budgetary resources to cover expenses. If there were projected increases in costs then the long term changes in how the government creates and manages budgets would provide opportunities for agencies/departments to reduce spending so that budgets could be moved to cover medical related programs. I do not support tax increases to just cover future expenses without first addressing the root cause(s) of the increases and implementing corrective action plans. I support fixing the root causes of problems and analyzing the net effects prior to making any decisions on budgets, taxes, etc. because the net effect may be a reduction in expenses.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it? //

I am not likely to support an increase in federal spending on highways or infrastructure unless an evaluation has been completed on existing spending and projects. The taxpayer deserves the maximum value out of their tax dollars. There may be opportunities with the current spending to improve how and where the money is being spent to provide maximum value to the taxpayer.

If it is determined that the existing federal spending is providing the maximum value to the taxpayers and the industry needs a boost or there are significant risks to infrastructure that affects safety or interstate commerce then I would work on a targeted plan to reduce risks to the highways/infrastructure. A majority of the funding for these activities would need to be derived from structural cost reductions in other areas with minimal increases in long term liabilities to the taxpayer. While I am not a fan of tolls, that may be an option to raise necessary capital to support the projects. However, if the appropriate projects are undertaken they should support free market enterprise (intrastate and interstate commerce as well as international commerce) in which case the resulting increases in GDP and employment would provide sufficient revenue to pay for such a project or projects.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

No. While we have a strong military, I am not a strong believer in the "strong man" or "bully" approach. I am fully supportive of diplomatic resolutions and negotiations to discuss problems, differences, needs, desires, etc., in order to develop an effective working relationship versus a hostile relationship. In my opinion the U.S. has not taken the necessary and appropriate steps to develop effective working relationships and usually tends to lean towards the "we will destroy you into conformance" mindset. That being said, the State Department needs to be restructured to develop these types of relationships. But don't get me wrong, I support the military and will use military resources when necessary to protect the interests of the United States and its citizens.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I would like to implement policies to overhaul the budgeting process so that Congress did not have to spend so much time per year on things like continuing resolutions, threats of government shutdowns, budget deadlines and all of the budget uncertainties that waste time and resources that should be working on other issues. (i.e., working smarter not harder). Congress spends way too much time on budgetary issues that result in inefficiencies and disrupt government services as well as creating budgeting/spending challenges. This could be resolved by changing the way budgets are created and managed.

The meandering 3rd District runs from the Washington suburbs of Montgomery County up to central Baltimore County. It has generally been considered a safe Democratic seat. The incumbent is Rep. John Sarbanes, a Towson Democrat.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support abolishing the income tax and replacing it with the fair tax, a national sales tax. This would include the abolition of the Internal Revenue Service and would require that the sole purpose of taxes, to finance necessary government activities, would be restored. The tax code is not the place for government to be dictating social policy.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

A complete audit of all federal expenditures is necessary to determine the proper scope of government. I support a significant reduction in federal spending and propose to balance the federal budget in my first year in office. This will necessarily require that certain federal employees' pay will continue to be frozen and they will need to contribute more to their retirement plans. This will also require the elimination of federal jobs and the consolidation of federal departments.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Rising Medicare costs, like rising insurance costs, are a reflection of rising overall health care costs. Deregulation of the medical profession is one way to lower costs. Further, increased immigration of qualified medical professionals from abroad will lower these costs. Further, the bureaucratic waste contained in the Medicare budget should also be examined. Additionally, money should be block granted to the states so that there can be 50 laboratories of innovation to learn best practices for the health care field that can then be spread throughout the country.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I would not support increased federal spending on highways and infrastructure as a "way to boost the construction" industry. An additional bailout of the construction industry is not in the best interests of the nation. Just as it would be absurd to support increased federal spending on web development and the computer industry to help me, a computer programmer, it is absurd to prioritize the construction industry over other industries. Additional federal spending on any project should be extremely limited. While spending on defense, social security, and Medicare accounts for most of the money spent by the federal government, limiting the amount spent on infrastructure projects, which may result in bridges to nowhere, will help reduce the deficit and the influence of the federal government.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

No. Preliminarily, what evidence could there be that Iran was developing a nuclear weapon? Is it the same evidence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction the necessitated war with that country? That, of course, was false. Second, even if Iran had a nuclear weapon it would not have the missile capacity to engineer a first strike on the United States. Iran would not launch a nuclear attack on Israel because of the immediate response of the United States and Israel, in addition to the heretical nature of destroying the Dome of the Rock. Any nuclear threat that is posed against the United States is not from an organized state such as Iran, but rather any number of fringe groups that have no deterrence from the possibility of assured destruction.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

Being a libertarian, most of the time one of the other two parties would support my policies. It would be very rare for both of the other parties to support any policy that I would support. The decriminalization of marijuana, the reduction of restrictions on immigration, the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, and the reduction of civil liberties abuses would be supported by the Democratic Party. A repeal of FATCA [Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act], a reform of the PPACA [Affordable Care Act], and overall lower taxes would be supported by the Republican Party. The overall problem in Washington, however, is that both parties are too similar and are not open to genuinely creative problem solving approaches. The issue of taxes is one such arena. Should we raise the rates or lower the rates? Should we abolish the mortgage interest deduction? These are questions from "in the box." Abolish the income tax altogether and allow taxes to be for the sole purpose of raising revenue to fund necessary governmental functions. Then we can argue over what functions of government are "necessary."

Experience: Air Force veteran, 1997-2001; 2010, gubernatorial candidate in Maryland; outdoor educator for environmental issues; camp counselor for all of my summers from age 12 until I left for the military, completing hundreds of hours of leadership training

Education: Community College of the Air Force, 1997; Frederick Community College, 2005; Anne Arundel Community College, 1996, 2008-2010

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support maximum tax cuts for all. I want more people to have the money to be able to spend much better than any politician or government official knows how to spend for them. These extensions should be paid for by limiting the federal government to its constitutional role and reserving any other functions sought by the people to the state they live in.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

No one should ever be forced to work for free, ever. That's slavery. Just using the money we would save by ending the unconstitutional wars we are currently involved in would provide us with enough money to pay for the people who are currently employed by the federal government. That's where I'd start.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

First, programs such as these aren't authorized by the Constitution for the federal government. These functions should, over time and incrementally, be turned over to the individual states to manage with more accountability to the taxpayer.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

No. The government shouldn't be involved in the game of "boosting" industries and corporations with taxpayer money. The federal government shouldn't spend money that it doesn't have, causing a further drain on the economy and leading to less growth.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I would only support military involvement in any country after Congress votes on a Declaration of War. I would only vote for war if there was a clear and imminent threat to our nation.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I would pursue the transparency and auditing of the Federal Reserve and the current monetary policy which is the driving force of the destruction of our economy. Economic freedom and congressional autonomy over the monetary policy is the key to restoring our nation.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

The Bush-era tax cuts added more than $2.4 trillion to the national debt and left our nation on precarious fiscal footing as we slid into the worst recession in a generation. That is why I support allowing tax cuts for taxpayers with the highest incomes (individuals earning more than $200,000 per year and families earning more than $250,000 per year) to expire at the end of 2012. I believe this is one important step, among several, that we can take to balance our budget and share in the cost of rebuilding our country.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Federal workers have already seen their pay and benefits cut by over $83 billion in the name of deficit reduction. No other group has sacrificed more to help balance the budget. Over the past few months, I have opposed Republican efforts to make additional cuts and I will continue to fight against proposals that undermine our federal workforce. It is critical that we continue to support those who have dedicated their careers to public service and that we strive to inspire the next generation of Americans to serve.

As a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Public Service Caucus, I believe we need to support our federal workforce to ensure that government functions effectively and efficiently. I am the author of the Telework Enhancement Act which was signed into law in 2010. Telework shores up the federal government's continuity of operations in the case of an emergency, reduces traffic in the Baltimore-Washington region, improves quality of life for federal employees, and protects our environment by reducing air pollution associated with commuting. I have also introduced the Federal Hiring Process Improvement Act which would streamline the hiring process for the federal government and incorporate some best practices of the private sector so it is easier to recruit the best and brightest to public service.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

By improving the efficiency and quality of the Medicare program, we can reduce costs while maintaining or enhancing current services to Medicare beneficiaries. Efforts are underway to enact payment reforms that reorient our system away from traditional volume-based and fee-for-service payments to those that align with quality care and positive medical outcomes. We also must pursue new models of care including accountable care organizations (ACOs), primary care medical home models and other coordinated approaches, particularly for those individuals with chronic conditions and high-risk or high-need populations.

We can also strengthen the solvency of the Medicare program by cracking down on fraud, waste and abuse. I support efforts by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to conduct background checks and site visits to catch fraudulent providers and suppliers before they start billing the Medicare program. We also need to rein in overpayments that are creating a windfall for certain private plans that serve Medicare beneficiaries. The savings generated will then be reinvested in the Medicare program. The Affordable Care Act has already implemented several of these initiatives, saving approximately $4.1 billion in taxpayer dollars in 2011 due to fraud and abuse prevention and enforcement efforts.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

Americans are ready to go to work rebuilding our nation's critical infrastructure — roads and bridges, public transportation, water and sewer systems, our broadband network and public schools. I travel home every evening, an opportunity many members of Congress do not have, so I see firsthand how our infrastructure is in desperate need of repair. Investing in our nation's infrastructure is the best way to reduce unemployment in the near term. In the long term, neglecting our nation's critical infrastructure will stunt economic growth and impair American businesses' ability to compete internationally.

There are numerous options to finance these investments, including savings from reduced operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; creation of a National Infrastructure Bank that would make loans, loan guarantees and issue federal bonds for infrastructure projects; allowing the Bush-era tax cuts for the highest earners to expire; and repealing unnecessary tax breaks for the oil and gas industry and other corporate interests that have been able to game our tax code.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I have consistently advocated for the use of all economic, political and diplomatic sanctions and other non-military options available to the United States to press Iran to curb its nuclear proliferation activities. It is my hope that this approach can and will lead to a reversal of Iran's proliferation activities and substantially erode any threats posed by its current government. Of course, the U.S. must always reserve the right to employ any and all options for protecting its interests, including military options.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I am introducing the Grassroots Democracy Act which seeks to create a new paradigm for the financing of Congressional campaigns — one that puts the public interest ahead of special interests. The legislation would empower ordinary Americans by multiplying grassroots political contributions ($100 or less) through a public fund; create a $50 refundable tax credit for Americans who become a grassroots donor to congressional campaigns; and establish a "citizen-owned" People's Fund to fight back against Super PACs that are trying to buy our elections. Candidates would qualify for participation in this system by demonstrating grassroots donor support, agreeing not to take PAC contributions, and meeting various disclosure requirements. By making more candidates for public office dependent on the people for the financing of their campaign, the Grassroots Democracy Act will diminish special interest and corporate influence on policy making, combat political corruption and ensure that our political system works for the American people again.

[ 4th Congressional District ]

Previously centered exclusively in Washington's suburbs, the 4th District now includes portions of more conservative Anne Arundel County. But the Fourth still leans Democrat even after redistricting. The incumbent is Rep. Donna Edwards, an Oxon Hill Democrat.

Experience: Member of Congress, 2008-present. I am a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I serve on the following subcommittees: Highways and Transit; Water Resources and Environment; and Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management. I also serve on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, on which I am the ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, and also serve on the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. In addition, I serve on the Committee on Ethics, and am an executive member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

Education: B.A., Wake Forest University, 1980; J.D., University of New Hampshire School of Law, 1989

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support efforts to end the Bush-era tax cuts for those families making over $250,000. Due to a decade of failed economic policies, we are seeing a deterioration of the middle class and an increase in poverty. The cost of the tax cuts under President Bush for the top 5 percent of the wealthiest Americans since 2001 is now over $1.1 trillion. If we allow these tax breaks to expire so everyone pays their fair share, and close tax loopholes, we could pay for the priorities we set forth, including extending tax breaks for the middle-class and increasing investments in education and infrastructure.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

No. I have been disappointed with the ideological attacks on federal workers that have occurred in the last few years. Federal workers have been targeted unfairly in efforts to address the nation's fiscal challenges. Our federal workers, including the nearly 70,000 in my district, have already sacrificed $60 billion in reduced pay towards deficit reduction, and Congress raised an additional $15 billion in February by requiring federal employees hired after this year to pay 3.1 percent of their salary toward retirement — a 2.3 percentage-point increase over what current employees pay. These two actions have resulted in federal employees already contributing over $75 billion to deficit reduction efforts, yet some in Congress continue their efforts to balance the budget on the backs of our federal workforce. Such actions undermine the federal government's ability to recruit and hire a talented workforce and bring us no closer to a responsible approach to deficit reduction. Federal employees play critical roles in protecting our national security, ensuring consumer safety, conducting research, and numerous other activities that millions of Americans depend on daily.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Readmission rates are costly to the system. Medicare costs can be reduced by focusing on solutions aimed at reducing readmission rates and providing continuity of care after patients leave the hospital or the doctor's office. Lack of compliance by patients and poor follow-up procedures are among the issues associated with costly readmission. Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses account for 80 percent of all enrollees — mechanisms to improve care for these patients and reward hospitals for performance and reduced readmissions rates would significantly reduce long-term Medicare costs. I supported provisions of the Affordable Care Act that reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, provide preventive services to save money over time, and put in place mechanisms for assessing quality of care over quantity.

Significant savings to Medicare could also be derived by creating a more efficient Medicare drug benefit that allows the system to negotiate prescription drug costs with pharmaceutical companies. Providing Medicare with the same ability to negotiate costs enjoyed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), another large buyer of prescription drugs, would allow beneficiaries to get the best price, saving an estimated $14 billion each year, according to Health Economics.

Modernization of the finance and health care delivery systems would also result in significant savings that would improve the sustainability of Medicare in the long run.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I am a long-time advocate of increasing federal spending on transportation infrastructure to help put the construction industry back to work and stimulate the economy, with a factor of 35,000 jobs for every 1 billion we make in infrastructure investments.

The nation's infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. The American Society of Civil Engineers grades America's infrastructure a "D," requiring $2.2 trillion dollars to clear the backlog. Over the next decade, that total skyrockets to over $7 trillion for just roads, bridges, aviation and transit. Investments in infrastructure would help create high-wage jobs, make necessary investments to increase productivity, and ensure short- and long-term economic prosperity in a 21st Century global economy. Our success depends on allocating the majority of the federal budget to make investments in people and our future competitiveness. We are the richest country in the world and can afford the priorities we set forth. As mentioned previously, if the Bush tax cuts are allowed to expire for the wealthiest Americans so that everyone pays their fair share, as we did under President Clinton, then we will have the funds necessary to help pay for the critical investments needed in our country. I am a strong supporter of developing a national infrastructure bank so that public and private investment could be used to offset infrastructure costs.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I agree with President Obama and his Administration on the importance of international diplomacy, to the extent practicable, and fully implementing an aggressive, stepped up international sanctions regime that began on July 1. The prospect of Iran developing a nuclear weapon poses a grave threat to the United States, to Israel, the Middle East, and to the global community. We must employ every tool at our disposal to dissuade if possible — and prevent if necessary — the Iranian regime from developing a nuclear weapon. A nuclear armed Iran would surely end anti-proliferation efforts in an already volatile region — making our Middle East policy much more difficult due to the increased pressure on other nations in the region to obtain nuclear weapons.

Iran must understand that the global community stands united in opposition to its obtaining nuclear weapons. Despite recent actions by the Iranian regime to rebuff diplomatic efforts, I agree with the Obama administration's continued diplomatic outreach and full pursuit of the latest economic sanctions. As a member of Congress, I have voted four times to support increased sanctions to prevent Iran from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and advanced conventional weapons. The sanctions by the United States, members of the European community, and others have demonstrated that such measures can and do elicit a response from the Iranian regime and contribute to a clearer framework for future multilateral talks. With harsher sanctions in effect as of July 1, the P5+1 nations may be in a stronger position to obtain positive results in the coming weeks and months.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

Over the last decade, we have lost approximately five million manufacturing jobs, including a 4 percent decrease in Maryland since 2008. We must take bold action to rebuild the manufacturing base to help American workers. That is why I sponsored H.R. 689, the 21st Century Investment Act of 2011, to increase and make permanent the research and development (R&D) tax credit and increase the domestic manufacturing tax credit to spur innovation. The policies in this legislation are supported by both parties, and would enable us to link our innovation to our production lines, creating good-paying jobs here in America in the short-term, helping to lay a foundation for prosperity for generations to come.

Experience: I have been involved with campaigns and politics for the last 30 years. I have volunteered in my community including serving as president of two PTAs and tutoring students with difficulties in public schools. I am active in my local church and held a statewide position. I was elected to the Anne Arundel County Republican State Central Committee, 1998-2002. I was appointed to the Anne Arundel County Children's Council.

Education: Attended University of Maryland, College Park

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support extending them for all income levels. I also support an all-around simpler tax code that would allow Americans to save money on external tax services. Contrary to popular belief, lower tax rates have resulted in higher government revenue in the past as it creates private sector jobs. This is because more people are paying taxes and less people are collecting unemployment checks. I also would like to eliminate waste and redundancy to save the taxpayers money.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

One solution to cut spending would be to allow current employees to keep their retirement plans while reforming the plans for new hires. I also believe it is unfair for Congress to cut or freeze the pay of other federal employees without taking a pay cut themselves.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

The government must make it easier to buy health insurance from private companies. The way to do this is not with excessive regulation and government handouts, such as those in the Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act, but by enabling private companies to do their jobs better for less money. Congress could do this by enacting tort reform to eliminate frivolous lawsuits and allowing companies to sell across state lines. This way, the companies that are doing a good job would be able to provide their services to more people. We should also make provisions for individual health care accounts and promote good health choices that keep disease away.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

While I'm all for maintaining roads and infrastructure as it's needed, I do not believe in spending taxpayer dollars on unnecessary federal projects. Instead, I would like to pass business friendly legislation that will spur private sector construction projects without costing the taxpayers too much money. President Obama's stimulus money was intended to do such projects and it did not create the economic growth it promised.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

First and foremost, I must say that I cannot make a definite decision without more information. It would depend on how strong the evidence was as well as other details. However, I want all the voters to know that I would not take such a decision to send American soldiers into harm's way lightly.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

One of the people I've talked to about this is former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, one of our great Americans, and her great concern for our nation is the lack of quality in our education system. In her opinion, education is our greatest threat to freedom. In 2010, our students were ranked 17th in reading and 25th in math out of 70 nations. I believe both sides of the aisle would agree this is unacceptable. It is important to prepare our students for the challenges they will face in our increasingly globalized economy, and we must ensure they have the skills they need to compete in this international job market.

Experience: I am an investment professional, having analyzed investment opportunities at large firms (Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers) and smaller ones (Baird, Atapco). I have served on the boards of CASA of Baltimore and Planned Parenthood of Maryland.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I favor achieving a balanced budget. The budget is unbalanced because the federal government keeps growing, but taxpayers are unwilling to fund government's expansion. The federal government has taken on the role of providing housing (HUD [Department of Housing and Urban Development]), food (food stamps), education (Pell grants), health care (Obamacare), retirement funding (Social Security), and even entertainment (the Park Service). There is hardly a function of our lives that the (inherently inefficient and inherently corruptible) federal government doesn't now take as being its responsibility. As a Libertarian, I want to shrink the size of government. A smaller government will enhance prosperity (via lower taxes) and freedom (why can't I buy pharmaceuticals without the FDA's [Food and Drug Administration's] and my doctor's approval?).

I believe in tax simplification, which includes eliminating the corporate income tax, but also eliminating the tax-favored treatment of capital gains and dividends; it includes eliminating the complex array of lobbyist-supported tax-deductions and carve-outs.

Given the strain the economy is under right now, Keynesian economic theory indicates that this is not the time for government to impose austerity measures. But unfortunately, the nature of government is that it never has the discipline to ever impose austerity measures. The best constraint on uncontrolled government spending is to force it to be paid for, as citizens will resist increased taxation. I favor getting the government's revenue and spending aligned, and believe that ultimately the best way to make this happen is to reduce government spending. The best way to reduce government spending is to require that government raise enough money to cover its spending. Only when taxpayers feel the pain of government's excess will they rally to demand smaller government. While a Simpson-Bowles solution is preferable as an initial step, if achieving a balanced budget requires the expiration of the Bush-era income tax cuts, then so be it.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

The relationship between government employee unions and politicians is fundamentally corrupt. The unions give money to politicians, and then sit across the negotiating table from these same politicians asking for more favorable wages, benefits, and work-rules. The benefits the unions have won have not been achieved through arms-length negotiations. Like any employer, the government should be seeking to achieve equal or greater productivity at a lower cost. Every dollar saved in labor expense is dollar that can be spent on much needed programs or returned to its rightful owner, the taxpayer.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

OK, so maybe "death panels" is an exaggeration, but ultimately the government must create a system to say "no" to some health care spending. Medicare should provide a safety net for seniors against catastrophic health crises. It should not be in the business of improving quality of life (think joint replacements), providing the most modern drugs and medical technology (unless they are also the most cost-effective), or prolonging life at any cost. It would be great if the people of America were willing to pay for this in the form of taxes. They are not.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

The government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. The government should not be finding a way to "boost the construction industry" or the auto industry or the biotech industry. However, the federal government does have a role in maintaining and improving the nation's infrastructure. Ideally, this would be paid for by user-fees (gas tax, vehicle registration fees, airline ticket fees), but this is not always feasible.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

It would be wonderful if America could be the world's policeman. Unfortunately, this is not feasible both because of affordability (Americans are unwilling to see their taxes increased to pay for more foreign wars) and effectiveness (once America is viewed as the world's bully, it will lose its global influence). As part of a coalition of our allies, America should do its share to maintain a safe world. So if the UN, NATO, or some similar alliance should request our participation, the U.S. should be a good team player. The U.S. should not unilaterally impose its will on others.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

The Libertarian party is one that believes in small government. As a result, it is fiscally conservative and socially liberal. The Libertarian perspective on shrinking government to its core functions aligns well with Republicans' desire to shrink government and reduce taxes. The Libertarian perspective on personal freedom aligns with the Democrat's desire for marriage equality for homosexuals and easing if not eliminating the government's failed war on drugs. A Libertarian would have no problem finding support for any given legislative action from one of the two major parties.

[ 5th Congressional District ]

The Southern Maryland District has been a Democratic stronghold for years and did not change significantly in the redistricting. The incumbent is Rep. Steny Hoyer, a Mechanicsville Democrat and the House Minority Whip.

Experience: Worked as a librarian; active in politics (including proportional representation and election reform) since 1930's; active in ballot access coalitions, including Committee on Fair and Open Elections (COFOE); active in CORE (Congress on Racial Equality) in the 1940s and 1950s; active over the years with various organizations promoting social justice and equality; active as a pacifist in the War Resisters League beginning 1939 through the present; active in Jewish Peace Fellowship beginning 1942; active in the Fellowship of Reconciliation 1940-1950; active in various other organizations promoting peace and nonviolence; active in campaign for Dr. Benjamin Spock for President (People's Party) in 1972; served on National Committee of the Citizens Party (predecessor of the Green Party in the United States); active in Socialist Party since 1952 (joined Young People's Socialist League in 1941); served several times in the 1990s as representative to Green Party national committee; Maryland Green Party co-chair, 1997-2000; founding member of Greenbelt Greens; won Green Party nomination for U.S. House of Representatives, 5th District, 2002 (write-in) and again in 2004 (on the ballot); won Green Party nomination for Maryland comptroller, 2006 (write-in); ran for Greenbelt City Council in 1999.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

Tax policy should be progressive: Taxes should not go up on lower-income individuals and families. Big banks and corporations have been making bigger profits than ever but avoid paying fair taxes. Meanwhile, American taxpayers have been bailing out banks, insurance companies, and other financial corporations. A decrease in federal government spending on wars and destructive military activity would increase the resources available to pay for constructive programs that help improve people's lives.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

No. I support fair pay and good benefits for all workers. Even if one can imagine conceivable circumstances where it might become necessary to ask federal workers to make additional sacrifice, a current need for this has not been shown. I believe the U.S. must down-size military spending; the federal government must help retrain and reintegrate people who currently hold military jobs, into the nonmilitary economy.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Health care costs have skyrocketed as for-profit companies have taken over former community hospitals. Many decades ago, health care costs were relatively low. In those days, a typical hospital was publically owned or was operated by private charity in the public interest. Despite recent health care advances (for example, new technologies) that should have made health care more affordable, the rise of profiteering has led to a health care delivery crisis and exorbitant costs. Health care should not be a for-profit industry; health care does not obey classical "market competition" principles of supply and demand. (For example, a for-profit business normally will increase profit if it can boost demand, but in the context of health care increased "demand" usually means increased sickness, injury, and disease.) To the extent that health is a fundamental need, demand for health is constant and not elastic. On the "supply" end, the availability of health care services is only vaguely related to market pressures, especially under the inflexible, complicated, and confusing regime of for-profit health care insurance, where genuine consumer choice is largely illusory.

Contributing to the cost crisis is the fact that many members of Congress are involved in dismaying conflicts of interest in that they receive huge sums of money ("campaign contributions") from for-profit insurance companies, for-profit pharmaceutical corporations, and the for-profit health care industry. (Members also receive big money from power companies, military companies, etc.) This systemic conflict of interest has undermined our nation's health care economy; it has also corroded representative democracy in the U.S. The incumbent in the Fifth District boasts of raising many millions of dollars in political money each election cycle, including millions raised by his "leadership PAC." For example, in the 2008 election cycle he reported raising about $7 million; in the 2010 election cycle he raised even more than that huge amount; his "fundraising" shows no sign of slowing down in the 2012 election cycle. The influence of money on the political system leads us away from a republic and toward what could be called "corporate plutocracy" — government by and for wealthy corporations. And the 2010 Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court has taken an already money-dominated political system even farther away from being able to represent the people.

CBO's June 2012 report itself cautions that spending has varied greatly over past decades and states that predictions of health spending growth rates "are very uncertain." The same CBO report projects that under some scenarios (e.g., if Medicare reimbursement rates to for-profit entities were subject to automatic cuts), public debt could actually become a lower percentage of GDP by 2037 than it is today.

One sensible way to reduce health care costs would be for the government to stop subsidizing companies that sell unhealthful products. Reduced sickness would yield lower spending on health care. For example, the Federal Communication Act required that licenses be granted to broadcasters who serve "the public interest," but instead the FCC has given this public resource to companies selling commercial television air time to corporate advertisers of products that lead to disease (junk foods, over-sweetened breakfast cereals and beverages, etc.), often targeting young children. Similarly, to help contain health care costs, the government should also not subsidize industries that pollute the air or befoul the water; clean air and clean water are important for human health.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

Government has an important role in supporting not only the development of sustainable energy technology and other physical infrastructure, but also social infrastructure (such as public education, child care, elder care, youth programs, etc.). Government programs must not be narrow-sighted. It is unwise to spend money on environmentally destructive highways with a view to giving a short-term "stimulus" boost for the construction industry. One main principle of the Greens is environmental wisdom (also nonviolence; social justice; and grassroots democracy). Unfortunately, members of Congress who receive money from corporate interests (including big construction) are under pressure to pay attention to the short-sighted profit-seeking demands of their wealthy donors. Under the banner of supposedly "creating jobs," those members support the transfer of public money to their wealthy donors, all too often without regard for environmental or other consequences. Not all economic growth is necessarily good. For example, a boom in the nation's for-profit prison industry doesn't reflect positive changes in our society. There exist environmentally sustainable ways to encourage job creation, but those ways do not include giving federal money for highway paving contracts to boost profits for the corporate supporters of members of Congress.

Community-based programs allow for maximum participation by those who know most about local needs, which can vary from community to community. Federal support of sustainable infrastructure programs should therefore operate, wherever practical, on a model that maximizes local control and local direction of such programs. Such a decentralized and participatory approach is in keeping with the call for a "Green New Deal," proposed by Dr. Jill Stein (http://www.jillstein.org/text_psou).

The federal government must focus on bringing about a sustainable energy future. End federal subsidies for oil companies (which donate money to politicians who favor them). Instead, support initiatives to develop and implement alternative and sustainable energy sources, such as solar power. A good example is the federal incentives program enacted to promote successful small solar energy pilot projects. This program should not be allowed to "sunset" or expire before community groups have had a full opportunity to pursue this important direction, which is expected to create good jobs for a sustainable energy future.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon? //

Violence is an inherently self-defeating policy. Nonviolent action aligns peaceful means with peaceful ends. Nonviolence is crucial for humanity's survival. The two big political parties receive enormous amounts of money from the "defense" industry and blindly support military force around the world, whereas nonviolence is a main principle of the Green Party.

Debate on U.S. foreign policy is hobbled by an ignorance of basic norms of international law. Politicians refer to military attack against Iran as an "option on the table," but this rhetoric ignores the fact that attacking (or threatening to attack) another country is not a lawful option. The U.S. is powerful but it is not above international law.

Among the most solemn international obligations is the duty under the U.N. Charter to settle international disputes by peaceful means — the duty "to refrain . . . from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."

American political leaders seek support for military action by invoking supposed "national interest," but appeals to "national interest" or "national policy" cannot justify war from the point of view of international law. War as an instrument of national policy is expressly outlawed.

Tragically, the U.S. and Iran have been without diplomatic relations for more than 30 years. Are peaceful solutions likely between two countries that are not even on speaking terms? How preposterous and how sad it is that so many U.S. politicians adopt a saber-rattling posture calling for an illegal military attack against Iran. Politicians sometimes argue that whatever attack they are urging is the "last resort," when in fact there has not been even a "first resort" to peaceful diplomatic dialogue based on international law and mutual respect.

How irresponsible U.S. officials (including the Secretary of State) have been! They repeat public accusations (often demonstrably unfounded) and issue public threats and insults against Iran, without even talking to Iran. They mischaracterize reports by the IAEA about the Iranian nuclear energy research program in order to create fear and stir up anti-Iran sentiment. The same U.S. officials do not mention that Iranian officials have repeatedly denied that Iran has any intention or desire to develop a nuclear weapons program; in fact, the Islamic leaders of Iran denounce nuclear weapons as evil. The door for dialogue and normalized relations could be opened, but the U.S. foreign policy elite seems committed to keeping the door slammed shut. What drives the U.S. agenda seems less any concern about a possible nuclear weapons program in Iran or a threat to U.S. national security than certain geopolitical or strategic military aims, such as isolating Iran and undermining its government. The anti-Iran campaign brings to mind "yellowcake" and the fear-mongering campaign warning of nuclear weapons (later revealed to be nonexistent) that formed the pretext for the illegal 2003 invasion of Iraq. It goes against democracy for the government to misinform the people about issues of war and peace. Government deception destroys legitimacy. Crying wolf undermines government credibility at home and abroad. And under international law, it is a "crime against peace" to threaten to attack another country instead of seeking peaceful resolution of a dispute.

Recent weeks have brought a new concern. National newspapers report that the U.S. has been launching malicious computer virus attacks against Iran's nuclear energy research facilities, including a computer virus designed to make Iranian uranium centrifuges spin out of control. Nuclear energy is no toy. Weaponization of software is extremely risky. Sabotage by malware hackers, including U.S.-sponsored sabotage, poses a danger to information security and computer systems worldwide, including our own. Secret cyber-warfare programs (like other covert operations) are at odds with the public's right to know what our government is doing. The unleashing (as in the so-called "Operation Olympic Games") of a secret and highly destructive internet virus such as Stuxnet or Flame threatens to inflame an international crisis of cyberattack run rampant. The U.S. program to wage international cyberattacks is likely to backfire against Americans, damaging the U.S. economy and information resources, which depend heavily on the internet.

What happens to a nation when its government operates in secret and as if it were above the law? Is it lawful for our federal government to be involved in assassinating research scientists in Iran? Of course not. Under international law, Iran and the U.S. are both signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which recognizes the "inalienable right of all Parties to the treaty to develop research, production, and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes." Rather than killing scientists and issuing public threats of military attack and instead of whipping up fear in order to gain support for military attacks, the U.S. should engage in genuine diplomacy. The founders declared the independence of the United States of America not in order to dominate the world. To the contrary: this country was born in opposition to Empire, against the tyranny of standing armies, and against military occupations by a distant imperial power without the consent of the local people. The U.S. military presence today extends to more than 150 countries around the globe. It is folly to imagine that such vast occupying armies (especially when unwelcomed by the people whose lands are occupied) make Americans safer. Our Constitution does not allow a secretive "national security state" that spreads Empire abroad and erodes civil liberties at home.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

The words "the opposite party" in this question presuppose that there are only two political parties (the "duopoly" of blue and red). As a Green candidate, I invite people to become actively involved with alternatives, such as the Green Party. I'm glad to receive votes from people in the Fifth District, but even more important is for people all over Maryland who support Green values (nonviolence, environmental wisdom, social justice, and grassroots democracy) to volunteer to help build local Green organizations.

Grassroots democracy as practiced and promoted by the Green Party differs from the money-dominated system of the two big parties, which enact self-serving laws to reinforce their own entrenched but undeserved stranglehold on power. They do not represent the people but instead curtail opportunities to participate. They pass laws that prevent the political process from being genuinely open, which results in elections that are "rigged" in important ways. Examples include restrictive ballot access laws; public subsidies to incumbents and to the two established parties; winner-take-all election schemes of which the Electoral College is the most famous example; gerrymandering to maximize partisan power and decrease competition in elections; the overwhelming role of political money as a barrier to participation and as an influential factor—conflict of interest—in the policy decisions and fiscal decisions of public officials; candidate "debates" and media coverage that often exclude alternative candidates; and so on. (In this regard, I thank The Baltimore Sun for including Green candidates in its Voters Guide.)

Green Party policies deserve serious consideration by everyone, including Democrats and Republicans. As Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote in Sweezy v. New Hampshire, "All political ideas cannot and should not be channeled into the programs of our two major parties. History has amply proved the virtue of political activity by minority, dissident groups, which innumerable times have been in the vanguard of democratic thought and whose programs were ultimately accepted. . . . The absence of such voices would be a symptom of grave illness in our society."

Certain incumbent members of Congress can probably be expected to support Green legislative proposals to promote equality, civil liberties, sustainable energy, environmental protection, community-based economics, and nonviolence. And members whose professed love for democracy is sincere should support legislation designed to open up the political process itself, to make elections in the U.S. less unfair and more inclusive.

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Steny H. Hoyer, Democrat (incumbent)

Party: Democrat

Age: 73

City of residence: Mechanicsville

Occupation: Congressman, Fifth District of Maryland

Family: Three daughters, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren

Experience: Elected to Congress in 1981 after winning a special election, and now serving 16th term in Congress; member of the State Board of Higher Education from 1978 to 1981; Maryland State Senator from 1966-1978, elected president of the Senate in 1975, the youngest ever in state history.

Education: Suitland High School in Prince George's County, 1957; B.S. University of Maryland, 1963; J.D. Georgetown University Law Center, 1966.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support extending the Bush-era income tax cuts for individuals with income under $200,000 and families under $250,000, and I believe that we should be asking the wealthiest among us to contribute their fair share to help reduce the deficit. Unfortunately, Republicans won't ask millionaires and billionaires to do their part, and instead are asking the middle class to shoulder the burden of deficit reduction. In order to reach a comprehensive deficit reduction agreement, both parties must be willing to accept a mix of spending cuts and revenues and I will continue urging Congress to work together on a balanced plan that asks the wealthiest among us to contribute their fair share.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Federal employees have been singled out multiple times by the Republican Congress to contribute to deficit reduction. Our public servants have already contributed $75 billion toward deficit reduction — they have contributed $60 billion through a two-year pay freeze, and an additional $15 billion in pension benefits. Meanwhile, no other group has been singled out to contribute — including millionaires and billionaires. We should not continue to ask these middle class Americans to contribute while not asking others to also pay their fair share.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

I am committed to preserving the guarantee of Medicare, Medicaid, and health security for America's seniors, the disabled, and the most vulnerable among us. The Affordable Care Act provides deficit savings of more than $1 trillion over the next two decades. It extends the solvency of Medicare by eight years, and is already having a significant impact on slowing the growth of Medicare spending, without ending the Medicare guarantee and shifting costs onto seniors.

This year, I opposed the Republican budget, which ends the Medicare guarantee, raises health care costs for seniors, and turns Medicaid into a block grant that jeopardizes access to affordable health and nursing home care for seniors and the disabled. The Republican budget attempts to balance the budget on the backs of seniors, the disabled, middle class families, and the most vulnerable, while giving tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires.

Their budget has the wrong priorities, and I will continue to call on both parties to work together on a big, bold, balanced deficit reduction plan that asks all Americans to pay their fair share. In order to take meaningful action to address the deficit, we must be willing to put all options on the table, including spending cuts, revenues, and entitlements while protecting the Medicare guarantee and most vulnerable among us.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I support federal spending on highways and other infrastructure, which is why I have been urging Congress to pass a long-term reauthorization of a surface transportation bill. By passing a long-term reauthorization in June, we were able to give businesses certainty, support job creation, and improve the safety and reliability of our transit system.

I will continue to make investments in infrastructure a high priority. The Make It In America plan, an initiative I am leading in Congress to create jobs and grow the economy, focuses on making investments in our nation's infrastructure so that we can help businesses grow and move products quickly and cheaply.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

A nuclear Iran would be dangerous to the United States, to Israel, and to our European allies, and it would result in a nuclear arms race in the Persian Gulf. The global oil supply would be threatened as well. A nuclear Iran also would carry the risk of nuclear weapons technology potentially reaching terrorist groups seeking to employ them against American targets. For these reasons, a nuclear Iran would be a grave threat to our national security, and I believe we must use every tool available to prevent it.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

The Make It In America plan, which I am working to advance, aims to strengthen manufacturing so that American companies can grow and create jobs here in the U.S. It is an agenda that Democrats, Republicans, and everyone from labor to business can support. The manufacturing sector has been leading our economic recovery, and the Make It In America plan aims to build on that momentum through bipartisan proposals to strengthen the industry and boost the middle class. The plan includes bills that enjoy strong bipartisan support, such as the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, which requires the development of a national strategy to revitalize American manufacturing. Several Make It In America bills have already been signed into law, but we must do more to grow our economy and support job creation. I will continue to pursue the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act and other bipartisan proposals so we can help businesses innovate, grow, and keep and create good jobs in the U.S.

------------------------------------------------

Tony O'Donnell, Republican

Party: Republican

Age: 51

City of residence: Lusby

Occupation: Minority Leader, Maryland House of Delegates, leading 43 Maryland legislators from across the state

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

The existing federal income tax rates have been the existing rates for over 10 years and should not be increased. We now must focus on deleting 21-plus new taxes imposed on working class Americans under the Affordable Care Act passed by President Obama and Congress. We should not be raising taxes on American families and small businesses when everybody is struggling to make ends meet and our economy flounders badly in the worst situation since the 1930's. We need to create an environment to reduce unemployment by a confident private sector being willing to invest to hire more people onto their payrolls. The unemployment rate is understated and is particularly higher in minority communities than the national averages might indicate. Raising taxes will not help us create the environment for economic recovery and the subsequent creation of good paying private sector jobs.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

If we make small sacrifices now we will be able to maintain a good and fair pay structure for federal employees. The current projections for national debt may put many federal workers and defense industry contractors at risk to even maintain their jobs unless we make some corrections to close our annual spending deficit and reduce our national debt. This is a particular danger here in Maryland. If this is my choice, reducing spending or have people lose their jobs, I would choose to keep people employed by reigning in the rate of growth in federal spending in many other areas, including entitlement program reform.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs? //

Our government can ensure the most access to optimal health care coverage by fully repealing the recently passed health care takeover. This will allow the quality of our care to not only remain first-class but it will prevent the government bureaucracies from having an invisible hold on more facets of our lives. America's future healthcare needs can be secured only if we reform and make solvent the long-term programs like Medicare and Social Security. We must deliver our health care in a system that is free-market based and sustainable. We must also enact commonsense reforms by enacting malpractice tort reform, the continuation of no bar for pre-existing conditions, the availability to purchase healthcare across state lines and overall improving the portability of coverage.

We also need to implement full cost recovery audits at the federal and state levels to allow recovery of fraud, waste and abuse which is rampant in these massive entitlement programs and cost taxpayers billions of $ annually.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

The federal government must pass a budget before we can begin discussing increasing spending on anything. Congress just passed a transportation reauthorization which would stabilize our system for at least the immediate future. We need Congress to address our long term spending by passing a budget which gives us a roadmap to affordable national priorities. Recently, Steny Hoyer was quoted as saying we don't really need to pass a federal budget and that we could continue to get by on piecemeal appropriations. I disagree and believe Congress should actually do what we pay them to do, pass a national budget. Families have a budget, businesses have a budget, state and local governments pass a budget every year, but it has been over three years since Congress has passed a budget. It's time to pass a budget. Only then can we understand the role that transportation funding plays among many important and competing national budget priorities.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

Yes, if our military leaders, the president, and a majority in Congress thought it was necessary to protect our vital national interests. The option should not be taken off the table. Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, at all costs. The leaders of Iran continue to call for the destruction of our ally, Israel. The future of Israel and the peace of the world could be jeopardized if Iran becomes a nuclear power.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

An example is an authority that President Obama recently requested. A bill to allow for line item veto authority and the bill was co-authored in a bipartisan fashion by Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md, and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc. The bill passed the House on February 8, 2012 with bipartisan support, but Congressman Hoyer voted 'no.' I would have voted 'yes.' This type of partisanship by congressional leaders must stop. I will support ideas supported by the other party, and by President Obama, if they make sense for solving America's intractable problems.

We need to stop the strident political gamesmanship and start demanding statesmanship out of our congressman. Read the press releases put out regularly by Congressman Hoyer and he frequently slams the Republicans in Congress. It is tiring and this type of political vitriol in Congress must stop. Once a level of mutual desire to solve America's problems becomes more important than gaining political advantage at all cost by both sides will we be on the right track. It is then that this country will make progress on getting our country back on the path of bipartisan problem solving.

Experience: Current representative at-large, Libertarian National Committee; current representative at-large, Libertarian Party of Maryland; I have run my own educational business, Arvin Vohra Education, since 2001.

Education: B.S., Brown University, 2001

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I believe in far larger tax cuts, across the board. These should be financed by reducing the size and scope of government. That includes ending the wasteful and costly War on Drugs, ceasing to use the military for nation building and policing the world, ending agriculture subsidies, and ending the backwards incentives that drive up the cost of education and healthcare.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Yes, and I also would end several federal agencies. As an educator, I have seen the large scale damage to education that the Department of Education has done. America is No. 2 in education spending, and No. 25 in math. I would put ending the Department of Education at the top of my list.

But the list certainly continues from there. I would work to end most federal agencies, as well as to audit and eventually phase out the Federal Reserve.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Healthcare in America is overpriced for one reason: There are no incentives to lower costs. Patients don't see the bill and doctors get no extra business by being more cost-competitive. When there are incentives to lower costs, like the ones created by HSAs [health savings accounts] and catastrophic care insurances, the costs go down.

Medicare is a disastrous boondoggle that needs to be phased out. I would repeal the prescription drug subsidy, and gradually phase out Medicare. In the first phase, I would have Medicare means tested. At the same time, I would make Medicare unavailable to recent immigrants. If you haven't paid into social security and Medicare, it seems a bit absurd that you can receive it.

To continue to lower costs, I would end the bans on pharmaceutical reimportation, and other protections and subsidies given to large pharmaceutical companies.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I oppose all bailouts, subsidies, and corporate welfare. The only reason the government should undertake a task is if the people need the product. It should never undertake a task just to "create jobs." Any job "created" by the government has to be created with funds from the private sector. Those funds should be left with the private sector, so that they can create private sector jobs.

Thus, if we had an absolute national need for more roads, then we should build them. But we should never build roads just to subsidize an industry — no matter how many lobbyists they have.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

No, and I would end sanctions against Iran. Creating enmity with foreign nations is not in our economic interests.

I believe that an unnecessary war with Iran is essentially a bailout for defense contractors. No one else profits form war.

In a larger sense, I believe our military policy should focus on missile defense, not on interfering with other nations.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I would repeal the Patriot Act. I believe a large number of Democrats and Republicans would support that.

[ 6th Congressional District ]

Maryland's marquee race in 2012, the 6th District is drawing national attention after its boundaries were redrawn to make it more attractive for Democrats. The incumbent is Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, a Frederick County Republican.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I do not support a massive tax increase next year on American individuals, families and businesses. With Americans' unemployment rate over 8 percent for more than 40 months, it's important to extend these lower rates for every American who pays income taxes.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Earlier this year I voted against both a pay freeze as well as a pension cut for federal workers because I oppose singling out government employees in the process of making needed spending cuts.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

The mathematics of Medicare doom the program to bankruptcy for many current beneficiaries, those near retirement as well as younger workers unless it is reformed. Higher costs, reduced access to health care and a $500 billion cut to Medicare are among the reasons why I opposed Obamacare. I support providing current beneficiaries and younger workers with more choices and competition and greater oversight to reduce fraud as key reforms to preserve these vital health care programs for our seniors, those in need and younger generations.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I voted for the new law that provides funding to pay for federal highway and transportation projects to maintain and modernize this critical infrastructure. This new law reduces red tape to speed construction and completion of transportation projects and provides states with greater flexibility to meet Maryland residents' needs. I commute to and from Washington, D.C., and understand that investments in the I-270 corridor and other roads improves workers' and businesses' productivity, reduces time wasted and pollution from traffic congestion and enhances our quality of life.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I support utilizing all elements of America's national power to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. I have voted for and strongly support tough new sanctions that limit sales of Iranian oil to deny the Iranian regime the resources to develop or acquire nuclear weapons capability and to compel it to cooperate with independent, international inspections.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

As one of the only scientists and inventors in the Congress and a co-chairman of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, I am well respected for my record of working with colleagues across the aisle for enacting policies to promote the development of domestic, renewable energy sources. I authored the successful House bill the president signed to extend many renewable energy tax credits for five years until 2016.

Experience: Founded two NYSE listed Maryland companies, including CapitalSource, which provides loans to small and mid-sized businesses across the United States and employs around 600 people. Also, founded HealthCare Financial Partners, a former NYSE company, and BancAlliance, a cooperative of community banks across the United States.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support ending the Bush tax cuts for those making over $250,000, modestly raising most capital gains taxes, and lowering corporate income taxes while abolishing certain corporate loopholes to produce a net gain in corporate tax revenues. I also support making our tax system easier to follow and eliminating deductions in general. Raising tax revenues, however, should be done as part of a grand, long-term deficit reduction plan similar to Simpson-Bowles, which I think is an excellent framework. Included in this should be targeted investments designed to make our country more competitive.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

I strongly believe everyone will have to make sacrifices to put us on the path of fiscal responsibility. The notion of shared sacrifice for the common good is a central and defining feature of our character as Americans. One of the consequences of not dealing with the big issues that drive our fiscal situation — taxes, entitlements, and defense — is that discretionary spending gets unfairly squeezed. I believe that too often federal employees present a politically expedient target that doesn't actually end up making much of a fiscal impact and it is therefore unfair. Federal employees have already had a multi-year pay freeze and benefits have been reduced for new employees.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

I am supportive of Simpson-Bowles as a framework to begin to get our fiscal house in order, but at the same time I think the plan doesn't focus enough on the nuts and bolts of how to reduce future healthcare costs.

While I applaud the broad aspects of the Affordable Care Act as it relates to providing health care for all Americans, I think more needs to be done to reduce healthcare costs. As a country we spend twice as much on healthcare as compared to many highly developed nations and our outcomes are not much better. This is a significant problem, it indicates that our healthcare system is broken, and it affects the long term fiscal strength and competiveness of our country.

As long as healthcare costs continue to outpace GDP growth we will have serious problems paying for care and it will affect overall U.S. competiveness. While there are numerous ideas that have been considered to reduce healthcare costs, and many will work and many will not, the main issue is that Congress needs to show determination and begin to solve the cost problem in healthcare. Our current posture — doing nothing — will only make the problem more significant. Put another way, as a country we should try to be approximately right as it relates to fixing healthcare as opposed being precisely wrong. By doing something to lower costs we will be making progress, by doing nothing we are being precisely wrong. Our system has problems, and there are sensible steps we can and should take, including allowing Medicare to negotiate with the drug companies and further implementing technology to streamline record-keeping and costs.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it? //

Yes. Investing in infrastructure will create both short and long term economic growth. Put another way, it stimulates the economy in the short term and it "pencils out" in the long term by making our country more competitive. For our country to grow — which is the most important thing for us to focus on as an economy — our government needs to be investing in all form of infrastructure — transportation, communication and energy.

Infrastructure is one area where you very clearly need government to play a role and in the past this has been a bipartisan issue. Infrastructure is an area that the private sector wants to invest in, because it has historically been a very good investment. An infrastructure bank would facilitate public-private partnerships to rebuild our infrastructure. In particular it would combine the role of government in designing and implementing our infrastructure needs with the significant private capital currently available in our economy.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I believe that the economic sanctions against Iran have been working, and should be given time. I agree with the president's overall position that all options should be on the table to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The consequences are relevant to the whole world.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I'm a strong advocate for long-term deficit reduction combined with investments designed to make the United States' economy grow faster and be more competitive. It is critical that we make our country more competitive so that we can reverse the income stagnation trends that we have seen across the last two decades. This is an area that has wide support, not only in both parties, but among the American people as a whole.

There are good, bipartisan proposals out there that take a balanced approach to reducing our debt. The Simpson-Bowles proposal in particular was a positive first step. In fact, I believe if put to a vote of the American people, Simpson-Bowles would be overwhelmingly supported.

I'm also supportive of comprehensive redistricting reform and term limits.

[ 7th Congressional District ]

The Seventh includes a large portion of Baltimore City as well as portions of Baltimore and Howard counties. It has a been a reliably Democratic seat for years. The incumbent is Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Baltimore Democrat.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

While our economy recovers from the errors of the Bush era, I support extending the Bush-era tax cuts for individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families). Once the additional revenue from returning to Clinton-era rates for more wealthy Americans is better known, we will be better able to assess how we should approach deficit reduction.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

No. I would not support extending the pay freeze or require greater contributions from our federal employees. They have already been saddled with a disproportionate burden.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

As a first step, I would support modification of Medicare Part D drug coverage to permit and require the federal government to negotiate a lower price for the very expensive prescription drugs that our Seniors need (just as we currently do with the [Department of Veterans Affairs] health plans.)

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

As a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I am well aware of the importance of our transportation network to Maryland and the rest of our country — as well as the substantial repair work needed to protect the public.

In recent years, $30 billion in general revenues have been used to supplement the federal highway trust fund. While I have supported those expenditures, clearly the trust fund's funding mechanism must be adjusted.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

President Obama has declared that the United States will take no options off the bargaining table regarding Iran's nuclear program. However, in light of our experience in Iraq, the Congress should examine any evidence of Iranian nuclear developments very thoroughly before authorizing military action.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

One area in which there may well be more bipartisan support after the November elections is the re-authorization of our multi-year federal surface transportation legislation - work in which I will be personally involved.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for? //

Make all cuts permanent and streamline the tax codes.

It's simple really: Reduced taxes equals more discretionary income equals more jobs equals opportunity for you equalsless social dependency equals the American Dream!

The goal is to shift from public dependency to personal economic viability by rekindling personal income levels and discretionary income by not taxing families and businesses into government programs.

People only do two things with income: spend it or invest it. Both add to economic activity and economic growth which will increase product and service consumption which will generate new jobs and tax revenues.

We don't have a tax revenue problem, we have public sector spending problem.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Yes and yes.

Federal employees need to understand the private sector is in decline and is being overly burdened by massive tax increases levied by the present administration, a result of explosive federal spending and expansion. Even with recent pay limitations on federal employees, wages still outpace private sector employees according to CBO's reports. Federal employees receive on average total compensation 16 percent higher than private sector jobs based on similar levels of education attained. They also earn 2 percent more in cash wages and a significant 48 percent more in benefits.

There is no additional money to be squeezed from the private sector, small business owners and private sector employees. If the small business sector fails, who will the administration tax to pay the bills? If the private sector retracts further, even less tax revenues will be collected to pay federal wages and benefits. So a freeze is necessary until the economy rebounds.

Ultimately federal retirement plans need to be reviewed and modernized to reflect current sustainability and funding levels that can be sustained by the private sector. Congress should pare back federal benefits for new employees and review how present retirement plans can be brought in line with what private sector workers earn. This seems only fair, since it's private workers who pay the taxes that fund government jobs.

Congress and all public elected officials should be the first to reduce.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Create a market-driven health care system that empowers enrollees to choose their own health care insurance based on personal needs and individual preferences: Transition to a defined contribution premium support plan; free Medicare participants to choose to remain in the existing fee for service plan or transition to new premium support program; government contribution will be based on weighted average premium of regional bids of competing health plans; cap total Medicare spending at CPI plus 1 percent and Medicare population growth; enact a permanent "doc fix" and physician payments are adjusted for inflation measured by CPI.

By making these changes and others, seniors at all income levels will have access to and can afford health insurance, financial burdens on future taxpayers will be reduced, reduces and or eliminates payments to wealthy individuals, protects seniors who truly need help, and reduces government involvement in personal health care decisions.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

No. I would support present spending or a reduction but not an increase. We simply do not have the funds to expand now. Where we have critical infrastructure issues we should prioritize, shift and efficiently utilize the resources we have. Most Americans utilize private forms of transportation so I would prioritize federal efforts to focus on such.

To better manage costs to the tax payer, streamline work flows and to get Americans working on projects faster I would push to reduce excessive burdens of permitting processes and eliminate redundant federal regulations and studies that overlap state and local agencies which consume revenues that would otherwise be used for the actual project.

I would also encourage private sector participation where applicable.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I would support certain levels of involvement, but not an all out military strike, unless Iran directly engages our allies. Further I would only support an operation which does not encumber our military with rules of engagement which risk our best's lives. Fifty-one percent of Americans would support U.S. military action in Iran for purposes of stopping the country from developing a nuclear weapon. Thirty-six percent say they would oppose such action and 13 percent say they are unsure.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I think that President Regan had the right idea. In a June 6, 1985 speech at Northside High School in Atlanta, Georgia, he explained that tax loopholes allowing a millionaire to pay lower taxes than a bus driver were "crazy," because they allowed the "truly wealthy to avoid paying their fair share."

In 1986, President Reagan signed into law the Tax Reform Act that ended the tax preference for capital gains and taxed all types of income at the same rates.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

The underlying assumption to this question is that the present pay freeze is "supportable." There already exist mechanisms to determine fair pay and benefits for federal employees. Is this pay freeze a result of using these mechanisms or just, as some claim, another example of an orchestrated "race to the bottom?"

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Either healthcare for citizens of the United States is a privilege or a right. We have been treating it as a privilege, but I believe that the Physicians for a National Health Program have the correct idea: "The U.S. spends twice as much as other industrialized nations on health care, $8,936 per capita. Yet our system performs poorly in comparison and still leaves 50 million without health coverage and millions more inadequately covered. This is because private insurance bureaucracy and paperwork consume one-third (31 percent) of every health care dollar. Streamlining payment through a single nonprofit payer would save more than $400 billion per year, enough to provide comprehensive, high-quality coverage for all Americans."

As a step in the right direction, here in Baltimore, the Evergreen Project is developing "a self-sustaining ecosystem where the payor, the patient and the provider work in harmony as partners in improving outcomes and reducing costs."

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

Why the emphasis on the construction industry? Had you used high-speed rail, rather than highways, as an example, I'd respond with an unqualified "yes." Programs to construct renewable sources of energy and a smart grid to better satisfy our energy needs should also attract more federal spending. There are other "industries" that warrant support as well: health delivery (as implied by the previous question), but also education and safety services (teachers, police, fire and emergency workers), which have recently seen unprecedented losses (627,000 public sector jobs) since June 2009.

In 2011, as a percentage of ever-growing profits, corporations paid out just 12.1 percent of their profits in taxes, according to the Congressional Budget Office, less than they have in decades. If increased revenue resulting from an end to this Great Recession is insufficient, closing corporate tax loopholes is a potential source of added revenues.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

Did we propose such involvement as nuclear weapons were being developed by the Soviet Union, China, India, North Korea, or even Pakistan? What is different in Iran's case that would require U.S. military involvement? We are presently using other means to pressure Iran and I would need to see far more evidence of a threat to the U.S. before considering a military option.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

We in the 8th Congressional District of Maryland will be involved in a very unusual electoral experiment this November. The norm across the country is for congressional races to pit a Democrat against a Republican. We will have not three, but four candidates to choose from, so there will not be just one "opposite party." If the opposition is Libertarian, we could support each other in several arenas, such as on matters of avoiding foreign wars and promoting individual liberties. I believe that Democrats will gladly support a constitutional amendment indicating that money is not speech and corporations are not people.

Experience: I have practiced law continuously since 1989, handling a wide variety of cases. From 1994-1996 I worked at the Federal Communications Commission, where I specialized in the regulation of communications satellites and other uses of radio spectrum that require international coordination. I now serve as managing partner of Wiltshire & Grannis LLP, a 30-lawyer firm that has quintupled in size since its founding in 1998. Earlier this year, I published my first book, Less We Can: The Case for Less Government, More Liberty, More Prosperity, and More Security.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

We need to replace our current tax system, which discourages hard work and productive investment, and distorts markets for housing, health care, energy, and more. However, until we achieve broader reform, I would freeze tax rates at current levels while eliminating over $400 billion per year in so-called "tax expenditures," the corporate welfare and other special-interest loopholes that career politicians love to hide in the tax code. This would help reduce the deficit while reducing government interference in the economy.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

I would support measures like freezes and increased contributions toward retirement wherever the relevant labor market indicates the federal government is currently paying more than it needs to for the people it wants to hire. In general, however, I believe the main problem with government is that we ask it to do too many things — not that we hire the wrong people or pay them too much. I would be much more inclined to terminate ineffective programs and close unnecessary agencies than to grandstand with fake austerity measures like pay freezes. Federal employees aren't really the problem and should not be demonized.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

We need to get the government out of health care markets as quickly as possible, without breaking our existing commitments to seniors. Considering all of Medicare's current liabilities, the program is underfunded by $86 trillion (more than the entire output of our economy for six straight years). Even to keep it solvent long enough to phase it out responsibly requires drastic action. Premiums (which currently cover just 10 percent of benefits) must rise substantially. Wealthier people should be permitted to decline Medicare coverage without forfeiting their Social Security benefits. Within two or three years Medicare should be limited to issuing vouchers for beneficiaries to buy private insurance instead of maintaining the bureaucracy necessary to pay doctors directly. People younger than 45 should have their Medicare taxes diverted to Health Savings Accounts that they own. Any remaining government subsidies should be means-tested.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

No. We should only spend more on highways and infrastructure when we need more highways and infrastructure. The idea that spending more will "boost the construction industry" is largely false. That money will go to people who already have jobs, and it will be distributed according to political pull. Unemployed carpenters are not going to benefit from "stimulus" funds thrown at high-speed rail, or fat new highway paving contracts, or new engineering studies for bridges or overpasses.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I would only support U.S. military action against Iran if Iran were attacking or threatening our nation. We manage to live in peace with lots of nuclear-armed nations with whom we have serious disagreements, and we can learn to live with a nuclear-armed Iran as well. (Is a nuclear Iran really worse than a nuclear Soviet Union was?) If we really want to slow nuclear proliferation, our foreign policy should respect the autonomy of smaller countries, instead of effectively telling them they have to sit at the kids' table until they learn how to nuke us.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

For a Libertarian, "opposite party" means both Democrats and Republicans, because they both support the use of force to achieve their goals whereas Libertarians try to rely on voluntary action and use force only to prevent violence, theft, or fraud. But Libertarians in Congress should be able to work productively with Democrats to shore up our civil liberties and rein in military spending, and should be able to work productively with Republicans to cut government spending and liberate our economy from over-regulation.

Experience: Member, U.S. House, 2003-present; member, Maryland state Senate 1994-2002; member, Maryland House of Delegates, 1991-94; Attorney in private practice, 1991-2001; board of directors, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington; honorary board member, National Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support a balanced approach to deficit reduction that includes a combination of spending cuts and revenue. In my opinion, that increased revenue should ideally come from comprehensive tax reform that, among other things, closes loopholes and allows the Bush-era tax cuts for America's highest income earners to expire as already scheduled under current law.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Federal employees have expressed a willingness to bear their fair share of deficit reduction so long as it is part of a plan where everyone participates. It is, however, unfair to single out federal employees as scapegoats as many of my colleagues have done in Congress. It seems like every time some members of Congress bring a bill to the floor, they use it as a vehicle to attack public servants by cutting their pensions or pay or benefits to pay for other spending items. Federal employees have already sacrificed $60 billion of salary over ten years as part of the two-year pay freeze. Starting in January 2013, new federal employees will contribute more to their pensions to offset the $15 billion cost of unemployment insurance extension legislation. Federal employees should not become a piggybank that members of Congress can use to finance unrelated initiatives.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

The growing costs of health care pose long-term challenges that need to be addressed in a way that puts the budget on a sustainable path, reduces the cost of health care for families, and improves our competitiveness. In order to slow the rising costs in Medicare and Medicaid without rationing care, we must slow the rising costs of health care throughout the health care system. That is exactly what the Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed by President Obama two years ago will do when fully implemented over the next few years. This historic reform legislation includes virtually every cost containment provision recommended by health care experts. We must build on these reforms to reward efficient delivery of quality care. That means we must modernize the Medicare system by moving away from a strictly fee-for-service system to one that rewards the value of care rather than the volume of care.

We should also improve the coordination of care for individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These individuals account for a disproportionate share of Medicare and Medicaid costs. They are more likely to live with multiple chronic conditions or disabilities. It is no surprise that these individuals make up a large share of Medicare and Medicaid spending, because they are, in general, sicker. However, some of these extra costs result from misaligned incentives between Medicare and Medicaid and a lack of coordination between the two. This is bad for the budget and it undermines the well-being of a vulnerable population. The Affordable Care Act begins to address these problems, but Congress can take further actions to boost these reform efforts.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

With 14.2 percent unemployment in the construction industry and the American Society of Civil Engineers giving America's infrastructure a "D" grade, we must prioritize investments to repair, rebuild, and modernize our nation's roads, bridges, and transit systems. I supported reauthorization of our transportation program this year and have called on my colleagues to pass the president's American Jobs Act to modernize transportation infrastructure and schools, both of which are fully paid-for. In the long term, we must work with stakeholders to pursue transportation financing options that will keep the Transportation Trust Fund sustainable for years to come.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I support the position that President Obama has set forth with respect to our policy toward Iran. The president has stated it is the policy of the United States to prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapons capability. The president has also stated that the United States would like to resolve this issue diplomatically, but that all options, including military force, remain on the table.

Additionally, I am a cosponsor of H.R 1905 (the Iran Threat Reduction Act) and H. Res. 568. These bills reaffirm that it is in the national interest of United States to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and impose additional sanctions to accomplish that objective.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

Throughout my career in public service, I have remained committed to the principle of civil discourse and the pursuit of common ground for the benefit of the country. As the senior Democrat on the House Budget Committee, I am pleased that Chairman Paul Ryan and I have maintained a civil and constructive relationship even as the committee has tackled contentious issues. In that spirit, Rep. Ryan and I coauthored H.R. 3521, the Expedited Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act of 2011, to reduce unnecessary federal spending. It passed the House of Representative on a bipartisan vote of 254-173. Beyond that I believe the bipartisan work of the Simpson-Bowles Commission on Deficit Reduction provides a model for moving forward. While I don't support all of the commission's recommendations, I believe they provide a framework for tackling our budget challenges. I am also proud to work with colleagues across the aisle on some key initiatives. I am the chief cosponsor of a number of bipartisan bills, including the Platts-Van Hollen Whistleblower Protection Act and the enacted Pryce-Van Hollen Conquering Childhood Cancer Act. I also just introduced H.R. 6068, The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Fairness Act, with Rep. Robert Whitman and a bipartisan coalition of members to provide additional resources to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

Experience: I am an investigative reporter and author, and have spent the past thirty years as a war correspondent, an advocate of religious liberty, and an advocate for the taxpayers here in Maryland; past president of the Maryland Taxpayers Association. As the lead investigator for 9/11 families, I was instrumental in securing a decision by a U.S. District Court judge in December 2011 that Iran shared material responsibility with al Qaeda for the 9/11 attacks. As the president and CEO of the Foundation for Democracy in Iran, I bring years of experience working with pro-freedom advocates on the ground inside Iran.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

We have a spending problem, not a revenue problem. First and foremost, we must cut federal spending. We cannot continue racking up the trillion-dollar deficits of the past four years. I favor renewing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts in the short term and moving toward broader based tax reform as quickly as possible. I support the fair tax, which is predicated on the repeal of the 16th Amendment (the income tax). This would lift a minimum of $200 billion in burdensome compliance costs from the American taxpayer and eliminate the Internal Revenue Service as a tax police, without shifting the tax burden onto the poor and middle class. As an alternative, I favor responsible tax reform that would make our current system simpler, flatter, and fairer.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

President Obama has piled up more debt in just three years than the first 41 presidents of the U.S. combined, all the while he is strangling Main Street with tax increases and regulations. We cannot solve our deficit crisis on the backs of the middle class, the federal work force, small business, and retirees. Nor can we sacrifice our national defense. I believe we need a new social compact that will include fundamental tax reform, entitlement reform, and health care reform, and that treats federal workers equitably and not as a special class.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

The CBO projections are a devastating indictment of Congress and its failure to reform mandatory spending. We are headed toward a fiscal train wreck without a fundamental restructuring of Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. I support moving toward a mixed public/private Social Security system for younger workers. The left has demagogued this issue to the point where we are near collapse. The choice is not between keeping our social safety net as it currently is structured or moving to a voucher system: the choice is between some form of private insurance subsidy program and bankruptcy.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I do not believe in increasing any federal spending as a means of "boosting" the economy because federal stimulus programs do not work. After three years of the Obama stimulus packages, as of July 2012 we still had nominal unemployment over 8 percent for the third straight year and real unemployment at over 15 percent. Unemployment among black and Hispanic youths tops 25 percent. This is simply unacceptable. We need to get government out of the way so the private sector can create jobs, not dream up more utopian government programs and taxes.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

My opponent has been a supporter of the pro-Tehran National Iranian American Council since he first took office in 2003, whereas I have been endorsed because of my hands-on work with the pro-freedom movement in Iran by a team of nationally recognized experts headed by John Bolton, former Navy Secretary (and 9/11 commission member) John Lehman, and former CIA director Jim Woolsey.

The only reason we are even talking about using military force against the Islamic Republic of Iran is because the appeasement and negotiation policies of my opponent have failed, by allowing the Iranian regime to continue its deadly march to nuclear weapons. Instead of pursuing these failed policies and then asking our young men and women in uniform to pick up the pieces where our politicians have failed, I believe we have a moral duty to try an alternative policy that has a real chance of success that I have explained in detail on my campaign website.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

1) Changing U.S. policy from appeasement and negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran to a pro-freedom policy of supporting the legitimate aspirations of the people of Iran to select their form of government and their leaders by democratic means.

2) Entitlement reform. I believe it's time to set aside partisan demagoguing and look to the interest of future generations. We need to learn from our own mistakes and the mistakes of others and craft a social safety net that generates economic growth, job growth, and personal responsibility. What Democrat can face his supporters and say honestly that he favors greater dependence on government? I believe we can find 70 percent solutions if we stop demagoguing these issues.

[ Senate ]

Sen. Ben Cardin, the Democratic incumbent and the state's junior senator, is seeking a second term.

Education: Baltimore City College High School, 1961; B.A., University of

Pittsburgh, 1964; J.D, University of Maryland School of Law, 1967.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I support extending the tax cuts for families making under $250,000. I am very concerned about the damage to the economy that could be caused by the multiple policy changes scheduled to occur in December - the end of the Bush-era income tax cuts, the end of the payroll tax holiday, and the consequences of the $1.2 trillion across-the-board sequestration. Therefore, I have continuously advocated for a comprehensive approach or so-called "grand bargain" that would include a plan to balance the budget and put our economy on the path to growth.

For a more long-term solution, I also am committed to using my position on the Senate Finance Committee to help enact comprehensive tax reform that removes tax loopholes and unfair benefits, and reduces tax rates. American families and businesses need the certainty and predictability of a more permanent tax code, rather than one that expires every year. As part of tax reform, I would like to put in place a permanent code that allows people and businesses to plan and make long-term decisions knowing the tax rules won't change on them at the end of the year.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

Hard-working federal employees have already contributed to deficit reduction and stand ready to participate in a credible, balanced approach to deal with our budget deficit. They made a $60 billion contribution to deficit reduction through the current two-year pay freeze and they continue to be asked to do more for the American people with fewer resources. As a member of the conference committee that worked to extend the payroll tax holiday, I fought side-by-side with fellow Marylander Rep. Chris Van Hollen to remove provisions that were in the House bill that would have increased pension contributions for current federal workers, reduced a general reduction in pension benefits for federal workers, and added an additional year of a pay freeze. I voted against the final legislation because it chipped away at benefits for future federal workers, harming our ability to attract the best and brightest to public service and putting us on a slippery slope for future cuts to pay or benefits. There are some lawmakers who have decided to target federal workers as scapegoats for our fiscal mess and I will not support such actions.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

We need to reduce the projected cost of Medicare by reducing the growth rate of health care costs. We took an important step in this direction with the enactment of the Affordable Care Act. The law invests in prevention, wellness, coordinated care, universal coverage and health technology - all of which will reduce the growth rate of health care costs - and it extends the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by 12 years.

Analyses of Medicare data have shown that the sickest 10 percent of beneficiaries account for 70 percent of program spending. To bring down these costs, we must address chronic diseases and reduce the fragmentation of our system through delivery system reforms. The ACA ensures free coverage of proven preventive services, such as colorectal cancer screening, for seniors and people in commercial health insurance plans so that patients can identify risk factors and prevent conditions from developing into more serious, more costly diseases. The law also increases the financial incentives that employers can use to encourage workers' participation in wellness programs. It also establishes the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to help the Administration test new approaches to cost savings, such as moving away from a reimbursement system that pays per procedure and toward one that pays for episodes of care and rewards quality.

In our own state, CareFirst Blue Cross BlueShield's Patient Centered Medical Home project has already lowered costs for chronic disease patients in this region's under-65 population by prioritizing primary care, and because of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare beneficiaries will benefit from this model. Additionally, the law gives financial help to providers to implement electronic health records - an initiative that will reduce duplication of tests overall and speed lifesaving care in hospital emergency rooms. In addition, we should allow Medicare to use the purchasing power of the federal government, as the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs already do, to negotiate lower prices of prescription drugs for Medicare Part D. Finally, as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I am working with my colleagues to implement accountable delivery system reforms so they will be recognized by our budget rules as saving costs.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

I am a strong supporter of federal investments in infrastructure. The Conference of Mayors reports that $1 spent on public infrastructure results in $6.35 in economic growth for the nation. The National Association of Utility Contractors reports that every $1 billion in spending on water infrastructure results in at least 26,000 jobs. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided a major infusion of funding for aviation; road and rail transportation; water infrastructure; schools; and clean energy projects. I pressed for inclusion of more investments in infrastructure during consideration of the Recovery Act, and those efforts were rewarded when the water infrastructure component was added, pumping $6 billion into the economy at a critical moment. ARRA created millions of jobs, but the need is ongoing. I worked to improve and voted for the Transportation bill recently approved by Congress. The legislation will preserve 10,000 Maryland transportation jobs and create thousands more. Last Congress, I was the lead author of legislation to significantly expand water infrastructure grants to states - a multi-billion dollar jobs-generator.

I would support robust transportation funding by supplementing the current transportation taxes with a carbon tax that would not only help fund transportation infrastructure but would help us with energy security and reducing greenhouse gas pollution.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

An Iran with nuclear weapons would be a "game changer" in the Middle East and, indeed, throughout the world. An undeniable threat to Israel and the United States, an Iran with nuclear weapons cannot become a reality.

I would need to review the specific evidence available, the likelihood of effective results and the degree of international support, before making a judgment on U.S. military involvement, but all options should be open. We must do all in our power to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.

My primary goal has been to push for the continuation of strong sanctions and increased diplomatic isolation. I support President Obama's policy toward Iran, unifying the international community to isolate the regime so it cannot follow through on its dangerous threats and it gives up its ambition to be a nuclear weapon state, contrary to its international commitments.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I stand up for my Democratic values, but I believe that we can come together to find common ground on many issues that impact our economy, our health, our environment and our national security. I have a record of success working across party lines and will continue to reach out to Republican lawmakers, including:

Senator John McCain, who I am working with on major legislation to bar human rights violators from the U.S.;

Senator Roger Wicker, who I work with on the U.S. Helsinki Commission and with whom I partnered on the Hotels for Heroes bill;

Senator Lamar Alexander, my partner in trying to end the destructive practice of mountaintop removal mining;

Senator Kelly Ayotte, with whom I introduced a bill to force Congress to pass an annual budget;

I am working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to build support for a Simpson-Bowles type of bipartisan, balanced plan to bring our budget into better balance. A similar effort needs to be made to enact an energy policy for America that provides for energy security, a better economy, and a friendly impact on our environment.

Experience: Decorated Secret Service Agent for three presidential administrations; served as a lead government security official for the United States; as a member of the Baltimore Field Office, instrumental in breaking up one of the largest fraud rings in Maryland's history; small business entrepreneur.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

We need outsiders to the Washington political process who will commit to pro-growth, common sense tax reforms and stop playing political games with the money of hard working American families. Current income tax rates should be extended across the board and we should look for common sense spending cuts to balance our budget. We can no longer tolerate the negative impact on job growth being caused by the current economic uncertainty.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

I am honored to have been a former federal employee with the United States Secret Service. Our federal work force is both dedicated and hard working. We should do everything possible to honor their current contracts and fulfill the promises that were made to them. Preserving jobs is preferred but efficiencies must be sought or our federal employees will be endangered by the coming fiscal crisis.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

I do not support mandatory changes to Social Security or Medicare for persons 55 years or older. The full faith and credit of our government must mean something to our seniors. We must look at proven, bi-partisan solutions such as block granting Medicaid funding to the states and making available to our seniors, via premium support, the same insurance plans our members of Congress have access to. There is wide, bi-partisan agreement on common sense Social Security reforms to preserve the system such as means testing of benefits and longevity indexing.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

We must re-prioritize the spending of scarce tax dollars and eliminate projects that are nothing more than just wasteful political earmarks. In doing so, we can then properly fund projects where federal funding is required.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

Unfortunately, if Iran forgoes reason and demonstrates the clear intention and capability of developing nuclear weapons, I would, as a matter of national security, support military action to intervene. Iran directs its threats at the United States as often as it does towards Israel. The potential for terrorist acts directed against the citizens of the United States involving nuclear materials or explosives is a risk that I am not willing to accept.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I would not have been able to rise above the cycle of inner city poverty if it were not for the education that I received from outside the broken public school system that existed in my neighborhood. I would serve as an outspoken advocate for the re-allocation of Department of Education funding for the creation of means tested "Parental Choice" programs for failing inner city school districts. I know there are members of the opposing party that have examined the irrefutable data proving parent choice works. I can't see how anyone can condemn a child to a future of certain failure when options are available requiring nothing more than the political will to enact them.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

All cuts should be extended, but spending must be cut by an even greater amount to "pay for" the cuts. Additional tax reform must include replacing harmful taxes that penalize productivity, hinder job creation and unfairly fall heaviest on the poor through the taxation of essential consumer goods.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

I believe a pay freeze for federal employees and a restructuring of the retirement plans is necessary until we can get spending under control. Why should federal employees be exempt from the economic sacrifices the general public must bear?

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Managing health care costs is the most difficult single problem confronting public policy, and Medicare is the single most difficult part of the problem. Unfortunately, the enormous pilfering of the wages of seniors now on Medicare or about to go on it over the years has created an unfunded debt that prevents us from turning to a market solution in any simple manner. Instead, we must implement a whole series of reforms that we can only pray will, together, make this problem somewhat less overwhelming.

Medicare is such a royal failure at controlling costs because it is a single payer system. We must devise reforms that will allow us to transition to a fee for service system in the long run, while emulating a fee for service system in the short run. Details must be worked out, but the following elements are essential: young people must be given the option of adopting an alternative health plan, perhaps modeled on the congressional system as proposed by Dr. Rand Paul. A sliding scale of means tested co-payments and caps must be implemented both to reduce current expenditures and to give consumers the incentive to comparison shop and suppliers the incentive to complete on price and quality of service. For example, millionaires could be required to pay full premiums and have high deductibles. The system must focus on value of the care provided rather than the volume of care provided. Restrictions that now drive physicians away from treating Medicare patients need to be reformed. Laws that prohibit physicians from giving free or discounted treatments to the poor and needy must be reformed.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

No. Any spending on infrastructure must be based on the economic need for the infrastructure and not on the desire to subsidize the construction industry at the expense of other sectors of the economy.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

Nearness to a nuclear weapon is not a just cause for military intervention. If it were we would be at war with Israel, Pakistan, India, Russia, China, and France, among others. The clearly stated position of Iran's supreme leader has made it clear that negotiations to get Iran to comply with IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] inspections would be successful if the United States dropped its unreasonable demands that Iran abandon its right to medical grade uranium. The phrase "close to developing a nuclear weapon" is a mischievous code meant to deprive Iran of its right to radioactive medicine as a pretext for a war that would be a disaster for the region and for the economy of the United States.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

I have two parties in opposition. I would try to get the Democrats to support my agenda to end the wars and promote civil liberties while trying to get the Republicans to support needed spending cuts and fiscal responsibility. Being the swing vote and thus balance of power on these issues means I would have a great opportunity to get many things accomplished.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime (not including minor traffic violations)? No.

// As you know, the Bush-era income tax cuts will expire at the end of this year. Do you support extending the cuts for all income levels, only on individual income under $200,000 (under $250,000 for families), or not at all? If you support an extension of some kind, should it be paid for?//

I oppose extending the tax cuts, not because I think it would make the system more fair — it won't — but because this issue is being used to delay the real reform our tax code so desperately needs. Our economy is very near a crisis. And our tax system is a big part of the problem. Rather than address that problem in a meaningful way, the parties fight and bicker, point fingers and find blame. They cater to special interests for campaign contributions. In turn, special interests get generous tax advantages over the rest of us. It's a failed system and only a fair, simple flat tax will finally drain the swamp. We can and should protect mortgage interest deductions and charitable contributions. But we must get rid of the loopholes, corporate welfare and special interest cronyism. A fair and simple tax code will incentivize growth, encourage small business, and strengthen the economic conditions of families. There are good people in both political parties, but they're trapped in a system that doesn't work. As an Independent, I'm convinced I'll be able to bridge the gap and bring fair-minded people together to clean up our tax system and restore economic growth to Maryland and America.

// Is there any circumstance in which you would support extending a pay freeze on federal employees and/or requiring current federal employees to contribute more to their retirement plans? Please explain.//

We should not balance the budget on the backs of federal employees — that is not leadership. Moreover, the savings the federal government would achieve by continuing its salary freeze or asking more of a contribution from employees would be small in comparison to the savings we can achieve by identifying wasteful and ineffective programs. Our goal needs to be reducing the current debt to GDP ratio, and this will require some tough decisions at a broader level.

// The Congressional Budget Office projects spending on Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs will more than double as a share of the nation's economy by 2037. What specific changes would you propose to reduce Medicare costs?//

Part of being honest with the American people is also related to government funded programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which today are woefully mismanaged at least partly as a result of a failed political system that can only find fault and cast blame. At the rate these programs are rising in cost, our country will face bankruptcy if we don't act. First and foremost, it's important we do nothing to reduce or hurt benefits for existing and near-term recipients. But real reform must come and must look beyond Medicare at the entire health care system. We can make health care more competitive, give patients more choices, and assure greater availability and higher quality. But we can't do it if we're not willing to consider new ideas. I support a serious, non-partisan discussion about health care. We've made a promise to this country's seniors, a promise that the money they've put in to these systems their whole lives will be there for them when they need it. Living up to that promise in a fashion that is also sustainable for our budget has to be our main priority not only as politicians but as Americans.

// Would you support increased federal spending on highways and other infrastructure as a way to boost the construction industry? If so, how would you pay for it?//

A solid infrastructure system in which both people and goods can move with ease across the country is a cornerstone of economic development. I believe that infrastructure should be prioritized, but I also feel that federal spending is not always the most efficient manner in doing so. One of my main campaign promises is a massive $3 billion expansion of the north-south corridor along Interstate 95 and the I-495 and I-695 beltways. I believe we can attract private investment both domestically and internationally to fund most or all of this expansion. Experts suggest this plan will create at least 15,000 jobs per $1 billion in funds, but highway construction jobs are only the beginning. Major public works like these both spur development in a lagging industry like construction, and allow for a reduction in federal infrastructure expenses.

// Would you support U.S. military involvement in Iran if there were evidence that it was close to developing a nuclear weapon?//

I oppose U.S. military involvement in Iran. The best guarantee of our national security interests and of Israel's security is a free and democratic Iran — that should be the goal. A free and democratic Iran would also have no need of nuclear weapons.

// Describe a specific policy you would pursue in Congress that would have support from members of the opposite party.//

There are good people in both parties. But they're trapped in a system that forces them to think inside a very narrow ideological box. As an Independent, I'm convinced I can bridge the gap and bring well-intentioned men and women from both parties together to solve problems. We have no choice. Time is running out for our economy if we don't act now. My number one priority is job creation; it strikes me as illogical that either party would stand in the way of that goal, but let's see if either tries. As one specific example, we can easily find ways to enhance something Maryland already does well — medical treatment and research. I will find $500 million in private funds from companies, charitable groups and philanthropists to make Maryland the world capital for cancer and Alzheimer's research and treatment. And if I don't, I've already signed a pledge I won't run for reelection. That's only one of many ideas my campaign is talking about. I'll also find more than $1 billion worth of exports for Maryland products, which will create at least 7,000 new jobs. And again, if I can't or don't do it, my pledge assures I won't run for re-election. New approaches, working with others, and holding them and myself accountable is how we'll move forward to solve our problems. By contrast, the political status quo assures more of what we already have — squabbling, infighting, and excuses for why our economy continues to sink.